Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - March 2011

At long last!!
After a winter that just wouldn't quit (and is almost certainly not done with us yet),
Mid March has brought definite signs of spring to our upstate New York garden. 
Could we possibly be more grateful for this sunny March Bloom Day with temperatures approaching 50ºF/3.8ºC? I think not!


My dear hubby came home from the hospital on February 28th and, although his recovery has been slow, today's sunshine enticed him outside for a walk to the mailbox for the first time in weeks. We look forward to more sunny days which will surely help speed his progress. 
Grateful thanks to all for your well wishes and prayers. They are so very much appreciated.


Last week on Monday, March 7th we were enduring the second day of this winter's ultimate snowstorm for our area (we hope!), which dumped 2 feet of snow on us.


But today brought sunshine and snowdrops......pure delight!


I'm entranced by the way the tiny white blossoms are cradled initially in a green cup and then the little teardrop is released to finally open its petals when the sun warms it sufficiently. There wasn't quite enough warmth today for that to happen, but it will come.


Daffodils are poking through, but it will be a while before we see their golden yellow heads nodding in the spring breezes. Posted by Picasa


The resilient Hellebore has emerged from beneath its deep blanket of snow looking a little worse for wear, but do you see those few white buds? This is one tough little plant!


We know spring is near when the barn kitties emerge from their self-imposed winter confinement in the barn. Cleo followed me around today, catching up on cuddles as I hunted for blooms.


Inside the house a white Amaryllis is queen of the March bloom show.
Its first bloom opened on March 7th,


But now the second glorious bloom is open as well.


I love the contrast of white petals against the green throat.


To the left of the Amaryllis the pink Abutilon is sporting a few blooms.
The orange Abutilon is also blooming upstairs in a cool bedroom but I forgot to take a photo of it.


The two pretty pink begonias are still doing well. That's the Babywing in front with the "Rose" begonia behind.


Here's the "Rose" a little closer.
These 2 begonias have bloomed all winter. Posted by Picasa


There are bloom stalks on the Parlor Palm.


Twirly green stems dotted with tiny yellow balls.
Isn't nature amazing?


The Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose), closely related to the African Violet, has lots of lovely blue blooms. Posted by Picasa


Upstairs pink and white Wax Begonias are blooming.


As well as several overwintering geraniums.
This one is Vancouver Centennial.


The Kenilworth Ivy has tiny mauve blooms.
It loves being in a south facing window.


The lipstick red Christmas Cactus, not to be outdone by the glorious white Cactus, has put on a wonderful show.


I'm not sure if adding the humidity tray helped produce such an abundance of blossoms, but after a disappointing beginning, I'm happy to report that both plants did extremely well. Posted by Picasa

And that wraps up my March Bloom Day offerings.

To overload your senses with as many other bloom day posts as you can possibly squeeze into your day go to Carol's May Dreams Gardens where she hosts our monthy offering of blooms from all over the globe.

Happy Bloom Day everyone!

30 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...[Reply]

My goodness it looks like an indoor garden with all those blooms Kerri. I love that white amaryllis with those pink begonia blooms at its feet. They look so pretty. Those hellebores will perk up when they get a little more light. Wow 2foot of snow is a lot at one time. I am glad to hear your hubby is feeling better. We all need a long shot of sunshine. It is fun to see the kitties out and about too.

F Cameron said...[Reply]

So glad to hear that your husband is home from the hospital and doing better.

Your amaryllis blooms are so amazing! Your kitty looks so content, too!

Needled Mom said...[Reply]

My February was such a blur and I can't believe that I missed your post regarding your husband. I am so sorry that he had another bout with pneumonia, but I am glad to hear he is feeling better now. I am sure that the warmer weather cannot arrive soon enough for you to get rid of all of the bugs and germs.

Your plants are, as always, just gorgeous. I love the white amaryllis. It is stunning. It would be interesting to know if the humidity is what made the difference in the cactus.

We had an unexpected freeze a couple of weeks ago and I am amazed at how many plants suffered greatly from it. Those hardly plants that endured your cold winter are amazing.

sweetbay said...[Reply]

Kerri your posts are always beautiful. I'll bet your husband was glad to be able to get out in the sunshine. Cleo is a beautiful cat.

You must be happy to see those outdoor buds and blooms, although you have a lot blooming indoors too!

Anonymous said...[Reply]

I am glad to see your post. When it didn't show up yesterday, I wondered how you both were.

We got rain last week instead of snow, and today is another rainy day. I am thinking we might get an early spring.

Your flowers are lovely as usual. It looks like you have already done a bit of bed cleaning outdoors.
take care!

Sissy said...[Reply]

Now we know Ross will make a full and healthy recovery! Just look at how you tend to those houseplants, Kerri! They are so healthy and wonderful, an endorsement of your caring nature!
So good to see you are outside!

Anonymous said...[Reply]

happy bloom day kerri! i'm glad to hear your hubby is safe at home and strolling out to the mailbox already! i bet you're both looking forward to sunday, when you can officially say it's spring and be done with all that snowy foolishness. love all your blooms. sending kisses and hugs your way!

Town Mouse said...[Reply]

Isn't the promise of spring the most wonderful thing? Sometimes I love the buds even more than the blossoms.

Best wishes for your husband & happy bloom day!

Ellie said...[Reply]

Stunning pictures, as usual! You make "ordinary" plants look so beautiful.

Anonymous said...[Reply]

Oh Kerri, I'm so glad you are finally letting go of winter! Spring has finally arrived here too, and soon you'll see a post with all my spring blossoms opening for me. You'll be happy to know that I did much better about overwintering plants this year, like you always do. My angelwing begonia has been blooming up a storm, and my kitchen windowsill is full of beautiful coleus cuttings that have thrived.

Pam said...[Reply]

Ah, we're at the stage of the year when Scotland is more advanced than you! Our snowdrops are nearly over. But you'll catch up and overtake us soon.

I hope your husband is back home again soon and on the road to recovery.

Karen said...[Reply]

I am coming to this post a bit late, but I just wanted to say that, as always, I love your beautiful photographs. Spring is already on the go where you are. Our snow is gone but there is no new growth to speak of yet. I am so looking forward to Spring and being able to work in the garden again.

Roberta Gould said...[Reply]

Wonderful pictures!!!

Layanee said...[Reply]

The snowdrops always signal 'hope' to me. Mine are a bit late due to all the snow of the past winter but they are up and open when it is over 50. You have so much in bloom! I am glad to hear your dear one is over the worst of his illness. He can blossom with spring.

clairesgarden said...[Reply]

sorry to read that your husband has been so unwell, glad he is recovring and at home with you again.
this time of year is so difficult for impatient gardeners, never sure of the weather and things slowly slowly starting to appear.
many blessings.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...[Reply]

You have so much blooming inside! It must be nice to see flowers indoors when you've gotten so much snow. I hope winter weather is finished there soon so your flowers can start blooming outside.
Hope your husband is feeling better soon!

Terri said...[Reply]

Oh my! I hope your DH is 100% again! This crazy March weather probably isn't helping much! 50 degrees on day and 6 inches of snow the next! Hang on there, sister! It will have to warm up for good sooner or later!

God bless....

Annie in Austin said...[Reply]

It's good to know you're both surrounded by beautiful flowers, no matter what the weather, Kerri.

The white amaryllis is exquisite. And I like the pink abutilon. We grow some of them outside here - get killed back to the ground and regrow. Seeing yours inside makes me want to have one as an indoor plant, now.

Here's to longer and longer, stronger and stronger, walks with your dear husband!

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Meems said...[Reply]

Hello Dear Kerri,
It is always a wonder to me that you have such faithful snowdrops and daffs and hellebores (none of which grow here) in your climate. It's as if they were created just to add brightness to your 'white' winter as soon as possible after melting snow. And then all those amazing plants you manage to nurture indoors. They are full of life and color.

That white amaryllis with the green throat is a picture of purity.

Glad to hear hubby is out taking a stroll to the mailbox in the sunshine. My prayers and thoughts are added to the others for his full and speedy recovery.

Kit Aerie-el said...[Reply]

Hooray for snowdrops instead of snowflakes! You've got some beautiful plants in bloom. Happy spring! Finally. :)

Barbara said...[Reply]

Dear Kerri, I do cross my fingers that as quick as the ongoing Spring your husbands recovery continues. Best wishes to him! You've made a great offering of plants in this post. And again I am delighted to see all your lovely indoor treasures! They certainly made you endure the long winter in a better way. Today we had the first summer day with temperatures around 25°C...quite unusual for this time of the year. But snow still can return again here too. So let's enjoy the warm and sunny Spring days!
Take care!
Barbara

Sissy said...[Reply]

Was thinking of you and hoping you did not get more snow in the latest storm!

Jan said...[Reply]

Your indoor plants are beauties, Kerri! I hope by now you are seeing your daffodils in bloom and some other things, as well! Waiting for spring to actually 'spring' seems like forever sometimes...but thank goodness for those trusty hellebores! I also hope your hubby is doing well and recovering from his setbacks. Happy spring to you both;-)

Judypatooote said...[Reply]

Hi Kerri...when ever I hear snow for NY, I think of you...I am waiting to see that first tulip pop...they are up, but still no flower...storms expected for tomorrow...I hate storms...your flowers are beautiful, as usual... I hope you are well, and that your hubby heals and can go out and pull some weeds for you...LOL... judy

songofthewolf said...[Reply]

What beautiful pictures. I love your blog.
Come check out mine at http://songofthewolf.wordpress.com.

Mountain Mama said...[Reply]

I love all your beautiful flowers Kerri especially the little Rose Begonis. That is such a little darling!!! I hope I can find one here to enjoy.
We have been having a LOT of rain, typical April in my town. MY daffy's are beautiful and the primroses are blooming nicely too. Hope the rain stops so I can go out an play.

Anonymous said...[Reply]

Hi Kerri, Begonias are among my favorite flowers. You certainly have quite the green thumb! I love the picture of Cleo the barn cat, too! Have a wonderful day. By the way, I saw your comment on Song of the Wolf's blog.

Chica, Cienna, and Cali said...[Reply]

beautiful blooms....this winter does seem to be a loooooooooong one! Not many buds on the trees yet :(((

HORIZON said...[Reply]

Pleased for you that the springtime is starting to show Kerri and even more happy that your husband is recovering. Sorry l haven't stopped by in a while. Just wanted to pop by and say hello.
We're headed down to Cornwall in a few days to see my father in law- such a long drive and l still have so much to get done this end but l count my blessings knowing how fortunate l am- especially when you see so many sad things happening in the world.
Take care and bests
sarah xx

Anonymous said...[Reply]

Hasn't it been a long winter? It looks like you have come out from it, though. Everything looks fresh and healthy. Bet you can't wait to get to work outdoors. I have quite a bit of clean up to do in the yard before I get to the garden.

Glad to hear that your husband is feeling well enough to venture out.